Public speaking had never been El's strong suit, but she mastered the art of projecting calmness when it mattered most. As the storm of media attention descended upon her, she stood strong, launching a public campaign alongside her supporters at school, determined to combat the reign of a murderer who had plagued their town for months.
The local headlines were dominated by El's face, her presence commanding attention on every front cover. The press clamored for exclusive interviews, eager to hear her voice and amplify her cause.
When yet another radio host questioned her motives, El responded with rehearsed answers that had become second nature after countless interviews. "I hadn't realized the severity of the situation until I witnessed the fate of my classmate firsthand," she explained. "That's when I knew we couldn't remain silent any longer."
The host pressed further, seeking to understand what set this campaign apart from others. El maintained her composure as she replied, "Our strength lies in the involvement of young people. We hold one of the most powerful voices in our community. We refuse to let a mere murderer drive us into a corner. We are the future of Brommesville, and we will not be silenced."
After the interview, El checked her phone and found a message from Gem. "Hey, I saw what you've been doing. Just wanted to say sorry for being angry. I know this means a lot to you."
Responding quickly, El texted back: "It's alright. I'm sorry too. We should definitely make it up to each other."
"Are you free tonight? We should hang out," Gem suggested.
"Okay. Where should we meet?"
"Come to my house."
"Got it. See you soon!"
El zipped up her jacket, bracing herself against the chill of the night. Gem's house was a bit of a distance away, and the streets were deserted. Fear had gripped the town, and people remained indoors, afraid of the lurking murderer.
As El turned a corner, a searing pain shot through her head. Gasping, she realized someone had struck her. Collapsing to the ground, darkness closed in around her, stealing away her consciousness.